shade for phals

[roger nutt]

in bob gordons book culture of the phal orchid, he recomends growing phals in 1,200- 1,500fc this is 85% shade, does any body grow there phals in this shade.

[Ross]

My phals are growing in about 500FC or so. They grow and bloom just fine. I see nothing wrong with Bob's recommendations and I suspect others will join in here with higher light amounts, but I try to avoid sunburn and in my situation I either get very high light (2500-3500FCs) or very low (do to where plant is placed.) Also keep in mind the latitude where the plant will be grown. I suspect in southern Florida, for instance, 85% shade is much more than 1500 FC. It certainly is not the same percent shade as in northern latitudes (I am near 45 degrees latitude.) Hope this helps.

[Tindomul]

My Phals get that amount of light. As measured by the fact that I can barely cast a shadow over them. But in the early morning they get very strong, yet mottled sunight. And this is enough to tinge their leaves reddish.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

And this is enough to tinge their leaves reddish.

See, I don't like this effect with Phals. I know lots of folks do, but I like the edge of darkness where leaves are nice medium green, yet plants bloom from year to year. That's just me. Now with Brassias/Oncidiums/Encyclias/Cats/etc - that's different I push those suckers till the edge of purple.

[Tindomul]

Well Ross, to be honest, Im still learning what best for my Phals. I don't know what the effects of this high light intensity will be on my Phals yet.

[Helen]

Tin, I'm interested in knowing if more light helps to produce more flowers on a phal. So pls keep us posted. Do all of you feel that a phal needs MORE humidity than other types? I heard 60 - 70% humidity is req'd for phals.
thanks

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by Helen

Tin, I'm interested in knowing if more light helps to produce more flowers on a phal. So pls keep us posted. Do all of you feel that a phal needs MORE humidity than other types? I heard 60 - 70% humidity is req'd for phals.
thanks

Yes, it does help to produce more flowers. In fact, the number of flowers on my phals has almost doubled when the light intensity was increased.

[dave b]

Originally Posted by Helen

Tin, I'm interested in knowing if more light helps to produce more flowers on a phal. So pls keep us posted. Do all of you feel that a phal needs MORE humidity than other types? I heard 60 - 70% humidity is req'd for phals.
thanks

Phals prefer higher humidity, but all orchids would benefit from 60-70%. Phals come from areas that are warm, receive lots of rain, and has high humidity (70-100%). I dont have a greenhouse, and grow most stuff outside during the summer. During the wet spells, the phals really grow well.

Most cringe at this, but i let mine get rained on often. Ill sometimes pour the water out of the crown if its pooled up and i have time. Every book you'll read, and most growers dont recommend this, as it could lead to crown rot. Some of mine are starting to get that leaning out of the pot angle, so it helps the water drain a bit.

[Helen]

Most cringe at this, but i let mine get rained on often. Ill sometimes pour the water out of the Crown if its pooled up and i have time. Every book you'll read, and most growers dont recommend this, as it could lead to Crown rot. Some of mine are starting to get that leaning out of the pot angle, so it helps the water drain a bit.

Dave, at our last Orchid Society meeting an Orchid Judge stated that you should always pot your phal at an angle, because that's how they like to grow in nature...for exactly the reason you stated, so that the water drains off them more quickly and away from the crown...there ya go!

[Lagoon]

I don't cringe at this at all. I grow mine the same as you dave, In the summer time .... They get soaked down my rains and even the mommies hose. Sometimes I will tip out the excess water, other times I don't, just allow the breezes of summer to dry them all out.

I don't plant any of my phals at angle altho' many will just grow that way naturally - Fun stuff these orchids are